Sex symbol Marilyn Monroe went dramatic in 1952's Don't Bother to Knock. Monroe plays Nell Forbes, a beautiful but suicidal young woman, recently released from a mental institution. She doesn't mention this on her resumé when… MoreSex symbol Marilyn Monroe went dramatic in 1952's Don't Bother to Knock. Monroe plays Nell Forbes, a beautiful but suicidal young woman, recently released from a mental institution. She doesn't mention this on her resumé when she takes a baby-sitting job in a posh hotel. Jed Towers (Richard Widmark), a hotel guest, tries to make time with Nell after his own girlfriend, played by Anne Bancroft, has told him to take a hike. As Nell and Jed neck on the couch, the little girl whom Nell is tending (Donna Corcoran) surprises the spooning couple. This drives the psychotic Nell over the edge, forcing Jed to try to keep the baby-sitter from killing both herself and the child. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

this probably is monroe's best performance, playing an unstable character very close to the edge and she is genuinely scary. richard widmark gives great… Morethis probably is monroe's best performance, playing an unstable character very close to the edge and she is genuinely scary. richard widmark gives great support as a frustrated guy just trying to make time whose cynicism grows into compassion. and anne bancroft looks smashing in her film debut. suspenseful and underrated.

Jennifer D

Whoa. Marilyn Monroe freaked me out!! I didn't even know she could act! Hah! I'm impressed there was acting and I did like the story especially for… MoreWhoa. Marilyn Monroe freaked me out!! I didn't even know she could act! Hah! I'm impressed there was acting and I did like the story especially for 1952. A good psycho story always does me well. I liked it and it drew me in from the very beginning. I'd totally watch this again, if not only for Marilyn's CRAZY eyes.

Aj V

Monroe's best performance if you ask me, and Widmark gives a great performance as well along with her. The story is great it's dramatic and exciting.… MoreMonroe's best performance if you ask me, and Widmark gives a great performance as well along with her. The story is great it's dramatic and exciting. I highly recommend this movie.

I think this movie is best experienced if you don't know it's a thriller at all. The slow progression of madness that takes over Marilyn Monroe is… MoreI think this movie is best experienced if you don't know it's a thriller at all. The slow progression of madness that takes over Marilyn Monroe is incredible. I love that it starts out like a romantic comedy or drama and then has Nell the babysitter from hell tying up children and falling psychotically in love with the man across the building. My only complaint for this movie is that I wanted more, it gives Hitchcock a run for his money and is a lot better than some of his early stuff.